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Buffalo was once the chief source of meat for many Native
Americans before the animal nearly became instinct over two
centuries ago. However, because of its many health benefits and
other factors, buffalo meat is rapidly making a comeback to
plates and palates today.

Private ranches are now raising buffalos in a bid to fill the
growing demand for buffalo meat but the supply remains miniscule
compared to the supply of beef, making it presently relatively
expensive. Despite the costs however, buffalo meat has many
advantages over beef which makes it an ideal meat alternative
for the health conscious.

For one, buffalo meat has 70% to 90% less fat than beef and
half the cholesterol. Further, because they are stronger than
domestic animals, they don’t require growth hormones and
artificial substances to get them to size. In appearance,
buffalo meat is similar to beef except that it has a darker
reddish color. Connoisseurs however say that buffalo meat has
more flavor than beef and is just as tender.

Buffalo is also as versatile as beef and has similar cuts. It
can be used in any beef recipe but has to be prepared and cooked
differently because it cooks faster than beef due to the absence
of fat within the muscle. Fat acts as an insulator which tends
to slow down cooking time so with less fat content, the meat
will cook faster.

To prepare a buffalo steak, experts advise putting olive oil on
each side before cooking in order to keep the meat moist. The
key is to go “low and slow”. One should turn the buffalo steak
over often and cook at a lower heat than steak. Also use slower
cooking times but avoid overcooking the buffalo as this could
dry the meat out. If you are using a gas grill, experts also
advise keeping the lid closed to keep the moisture in. If you
are cooking buffalo meat in the broiler meantime, it is advised
to move the oven rack a notch lower than what you would use to
broil beef. Chefs however advise against using a broiler to cook
buffalo meat. If you are using the stove, the stove should be
turned to medium. Ground buffalo meat can also be used as a
substitute for ground beef but it is well to remember that
buffalo does not shrink in size when cooked.

In general, an 8 ounce buffalo steak will take about 10 minutes
to prepare medium. Studies show that buffalo cooked at a medium
temperature produces the tastiest results but if you want your
buffalo steak well done, you may want to consider cooking at a
very low temperature (180 =96 200F) and for at least 10 hours.
When cooking buffalo steak, the basic guidelines to remember are
to use lower heat and to retain the moisture. One way of sealing
in buffalo’s natural juices is to sear the meat on both sides.
Because, buffalo cooks faster, you should expect that compared
to beef cooked to the same degree of doneness, buffalo steaks or
burgers will be ready faster.

Paired with onions, mushrooms or your favorite seasoning;
buffalo is offering meat lovers a variety of natural and healthy
ways to enjoy their meals.

About The Author: Memphis Red is world renown steak expert,
often appearing on the food channel and other cooking shows
during the 4th of July. For more information on finding the
“perfect steak” visit http://www.steaksavior.com

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Acne is more than just skin deep, there are more than one
causes for acne and one of the most top rated is hormonal
changes. Changes in hormones can be due to puberty or due to
changes after age 30 or even during menopause can cause mild to
severe acne, depending on your body constitution.

Teenagers with highest amount of hormonal activity going on in
the body are most susceptible to acne. Not just the hormonal
activity but eating habits of teenagers and general hygiene are
other reasons that are likely to boost the acne.

It is very much necessary therefore, that acne should be taken
care of earliest when signs start showing, and acne ignored for
a long time can result into pimples that may leave ugly scars on
skin, especially on face. Scars always stay on for a life time,
unless exceptionally good quality skin that cures scars.

How does hormone activity result into acne formation? Highly
active hormones, start processes which the body does not do
normally, this also includes secretion of extra oil by skin
glands. If the skin is not being kept clean enough, dead cells
end up blocking skin pores. Extra oil secreted gets blocked
inside skin pores because of the dead cells and results into
acne.

Acne can then develop into various different stages that
require to be taken care of more than you might require to get
rid of acne. Acne might be noticeable sometimes, it becomes more
obvious after it starts forming into white heads or black heads,
taking care of acne at this stage often helps clear the pores
and avoid the heads turning into pimples.
If proper care to remove black heads and white heads is not
taken acne formation might run deeper and for pimples, which can
do both, either make your face look ugly or leave scars.

There are certain home remedies you can do to take care of
acne, these home remedies are very simple to follow and do, and
in fact you can even include these remedies in your daily
routine. Firstly, it is very important to take care of your skin
especially those parts which are constantly exposed like your
face. It is important to use a cleanser or exfoliating soap so
that your skin pores remain open allowing oil to come out
easily.

Secondly, you can try and remove any and all makeup you apply
all day long so that makeup does not block your skin pores.
Thirdly, take care of your diet, drink ample of water; eat
healthy foods, including vegetables and all those foods that are
rich in fiber. You can also start eating healthy amounts of
salads for each meal. Avoid spicy and oily or fatty foods. Junk
food too is strictly avoidable.

Fourthly, though dandruff is just one of the causes of skin
problems, dandruff can keep on falling on skin and cause
blockage of pores. This blockage too can lead to acne and later
pimples. So taking care of your hair and getting rid of dandruff
is necessary too.

About The Author: Find more information about the cause of
cellulite and cellulite treatment right here
http://www.cellulite-cream.us/

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Title: Lavender Aromatherapy Improves Health
Word Count: 703
Author: Jennifer Kays
Email: sappa@anvilcom.com
Category: Health & Fitness
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Lavender Aromatherapy Improves Health
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and other natural
aromatic compounds from plants to affect one’s mental or
physical health. Essential oils, are known as hydrophobic
i.e. non-water mixing or volatile i.e. air mixing.
Essential oils are sometimes referred to as an “oil of” a
plant e.g. oil of lavender. Essential oils are referred to
as “essential” because they are the perceived “essence” of
a plant..

Essential oils and other elements used in aromatherapy are
used for relieving a variety of discomfort from
indigestion to headaches. Aromatherapy is used to alter
mood, inspire confidence, ease depression, and increase
energy. In many cultures essential oils are used for their
antiseptic value to treat infection. In France, essential
oils viewed and considered in a similar way prescription
drugs are in the United States. Essential oil treatments
can be delivered in many different ways- direct inhalation
of vapors, inhalation of steam from a vaporizer, through
massage, or through therapeutic baths. It is important to
note, however, that essential oils are diluted in carrier
oils (neutral, odorless oils) before being used on skin.
Essential oils can be used singly or in combinations with
other essential oils.

Other products used in Aromatherapy besides essential oils
include absolutes, phytoncides, and infusions. Absolutes
are essentially purer forms of essential oils that have had
their lighter, less dense components extracted with
ethanol. Phytoncides are natural antimicrobial liquids used
by many plants to protect themselves from rotting or being
eaten by insects and animals. Infusions are oils or other
liquids that have been infused with herbs, flowers, or
berries.

One of the more popular and widely used aromas is lavender.
Lavender grows well in rocky environments that have good
sunlight. Lavender has woody branches and green leaf-like
shoots resembling rods. The grayish green leaves are oblong
and in curled spiral patterns. Lavender oil is taken from
the flowers of the plant with steam distillation. Lavender
oil blends well with many other essential oils including
cedarwood, pine, clary sage, geranium, and nutmeg. The
flowers of lavender are fragrant in nature and have been
used for making potpourris. . Lavender’s Latin name Lavare,
means “to wash”. Lavender essential oil has a calming scent
and helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety,
depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. Lavender
aroma eases nervous exhaustion and restlessness and
increases mental activity. Lavender essential oil induces
sleep and is recommended for insomnia. Lavender essential
oil helps ease pains caused by sore muscles, tense muscles,
muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago.
Massage with lavender oil helps relieve pain in the joints.
Lavender oil helps in restoring hormonal balance and
reduces inflammation of the urinary bladder. Lavender oil
is often helpful for respiratory problems including throat
infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion,
bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis.
The oil is either used in the form of vapor or applied on
the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many
vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.

Lavender oil helps skin because of its antiseptic and
antifungal properties. Lavender oil is used for various
skin disorders e.g. acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, wounds,
cuts, burns, and sunburn.. Lavender oil is added to
chamomile to treat eczema. Lavender essential oil is useful
on lice and lice eggs or nits in hair. Lavender essential
oil is also good for improving blood circulation by
lowering blood pressure and hypertension. Lavender oil for
digestion increases the mobility of the intestines
increases production of gastric juices and bile and so
eases indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence,
vomiting and diarrhea. Lavender oil also helps improve the
immune system. Lavender can be used as an insect repellent
for mosquitoes and helps heal insect bites. As with many
other essential oils, pregnant and breast feeding women,
people with diabetic concerns or people with unusually
sensitive skin should avoid using lavender essential oil.

The health benefits of aromatherapy has been
underestimated. Aromatherapy has often been considered to
be only a way to make “everything smell nice”. The health
benefits of aromatherapy are much more powerful and
effective than is commonly perceived or known by most
people. Aromatherapy is a deeply beneficial natural healing
modality for enhancing emotional balance and physical
health. .

About the Author:

Jennifer has more than twenty years experience with all
natural health care. She provides all natural aromatherapy
products through
http://www.sweetmedicineessentials.com/aromatherapy-c-7.html

==================
When our homes get a little messy we give them a full cleaning.
When our car looks a little dirty, we take it in for a cleaning.
But rarely do we give the same consideration to our bodies.

The human body needs the same style spring-cleaning regimen for
digestive health. This kind of cleaning is referred to
detoxification, and is a complete process of cleaning out all 7
of the areas the body eliminates waste. While you may only think
of regular elimination, in the form of bowel movements there are
7 areas of elimination in the body. In addition to the colon,
the body eliminates waste through the skin, lungs, kidneys,
blood and lymphatic system.

There are a number of ways to give your body a good cleansing
from head to toe and everywhere in between.

The largest organ on your body is your skin. When you sweat,
that is your skin eliminating. Some of it is waste coming from
your lymphatic system, other parts of that are waste that was
stuck in the pores of your skin. Utilizing a steam bath or
sauna will create more sweat than your body normally produces,
essentially washing out the poisons in your lymphatic system and
your skin.

There are a variety of herbs that can assist in the cleansing
process. Some are used for purification to purge the organ
systems. Others are revitalizing herbs that will heal and sooth
the organs after a cleansing.

The most commonly discussed form of bodily elimination is
through the colon. This area needs a cleansing ritual. Colon
hydrotherapy is one such method. This is a process where warm
water is used to gently clean the colon and encourage the
muscles within the colon to work more consistently. This has
been found also to be a successful natural method to cure a bout
of constipation.

There are some regular daily activities you can take on that
will continue the cleansing process of your body year round.
One is making a change to a healthy dieting plan. A diet that
is heavy in fiber (fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and beans)
will assist in ongoing digestive health. The high-fiber foods
help the body get rid of toxins. They attach to the fibers as
they pass through and are eliminated.

Taking regular vitamin supplements can assist the body in
staying healthy, and being more capable of protecting itself.
Some of the vitamins with antioxidant properties, such as
Vitamins A, B,C and E as well as other minerals such as zinc and
selenium give the body extra power to get rid of toxins.

Deep breathing exercises can also assist in detoxification by
removing poisons from the cells in the lungs.

Regular exercise is also helpful, in removing toxins from the
body through sweating.

About The Author: Brandon H. Masters is a health enthusiast,
researcher and veteran of the Natural Products industry. He is
devoted to educating others on the benefits of weight management
using natural solutions including a balanced diet.
http://www.fiber35diet.com

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It contains one of the highest flights of the Vedanta. When the
Vyadha finished his teaching, the Sannyasin felt astonished. He
said, “Why are you in that body? With such knowledge as yours
why are you in a Vyadha’s body, and doing such filthy, ugly
work?” “My son,” replied the Vyadha, “no duty is ugly, no duty
is impure. My birth placed me in these circumstances and
environments. In my boyhood I learnt the trade;I am unattached,
and I try to do my duty well. I try to do my duty as a
householder, and I try to do all I can to make my father and
mother happy. I neither know your Yoga, nor have I become a
Sannyasin, nor did I go out of the world into a forest;
nevertheless, all that you have heard and seen has come to me
through the unattached doing of the duty which belongs to my
position.”

There is a sage in India, a great Yogi, one of the most
wonderful men I have ever seen in my life. He is a peculiar man,
he will not teach any one; if you ask him a question he will not
answer. It is too much for him to take up the position of a
teacher, he will not do it. If you ask a question, and wait for
some days, in the course of conversation he will bring up the
subject, and wonderful light will he throw on it. He told me
once the secret of work, “Let the end and the means be joined
into one.” When you are doing any work, do not think of anything
beyond. Do it as worship, as the highest worship, and devote
your whole life to it for the time being. Thus, in the story,
the Vyadha and the woman did their duty with cheerfulness and
whole – heartedness; and the result was that they become
illuminated, clearly showing that the right performance of the
duties of any station in life, without attachment to results,
leads us to the highest realisation of the perfection of the
soul.

It is the worker who is attached to results that grumbles about
the nature of the duty which has fallen to his lot; to the
unattached worker all duties are equally good, and form
efficient instruments with which selfishness and sensuality may
be killed, and the freedom of the soul secured. We are all apt
to think too highly of ourselves. Our duties are determined by
our deserts to a much larger extent than we are willing to
grant. Competition rouses envy, and it kills the kindliness of
the heart. To the grumbler all duties are distasteful; nothing
will ever satisfy him, and his whole life is doomed to prove a
failure. Let us work on, doing as we go whatever happens to be
our duty, and being ever ready to put our shoulders to the
wheel. Then surely shall we see the Light!

To get more information visit :
http://www.spiritual-simplicity.com

About The Author: Lecturer, entrepreneur and Fortune 500
business consultant, Vish Writer is the author of the Amazon No
1 bestseller, “The Joy of Becoming God” For more information,
visit: http://www.spiritual-simplicity.com
http://www.vish-writer.com http://www.simplifyyourthoughts.com

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Title: How You Can Benefit From Meditation
Word Count: 773
Author: Janice H.
Email: articlesjanice@gmail.com
Category: Health & Fitness
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How You Can Benefit From Meditation
What Is Meditation?

Meditation focuses on maintaining quietness of our busy
mind. The effect is to direct our concentration to one
healing element =96 one sound, one word, one image, or one’s
breath. When our mind is “filled” with the feeling of calm
and peace, it cannot take off on its own and worry, stress
out or get depressed.

The meditative state allows our nerves and tired muscles to
relax, calm heart rates and ease blood pressure. The effect
is so restful and peaceful that you will look forward to do
it daily.

How Does Meditation Work?

Studies have shown that meditation can bring about a
healthy state of relaxation by causing a generalized
reduction in multiple physiological and biochemical
markers, such as deceased heart rate, decreased respiration
rate, decreased plasma cortisol, decreased pulse rate and
increased EEG alpha, a brain wave associated with
relaxation. Our body gains a state of profound rest.

During meditation, our blood pressure stays at “low level”
but falls significantly for persons on medication with
abnormally high levels of blood pressure.

Meditation reduces activity in the nervous system. Through
meditation we can learn to access the relaxation response
and to be aware of the mind and the way our attitudes
produce stress. In calming the mind, meditation can also
put one in touch with the inner physician, allowing our
body’s own inner wisdom to be heard.

Meditation is part of my yoga practice. When I meditate, I
feel my life changes for the better. It brings me peace of
mind and I handle things better in life. I have the
insights I want to solve problems and a clearer viewpoint
even when I feel stressful. Through all these years of
practicing meditation, I have been able to reap the
positive influence on my life.

How To Meditate Effectively?

Ideally you should meditate in a quiet place, or a room
with no distraction. Wear simple and comfortable clothes
and remove your shoes when meditate. Try meditating in the
same place every time because that will build up a calm
meditative energy, making it easier each time to go within.

Guide to Meditation:-

1. Sit upright on your meditation mat with legs folded. You
may find this rather uncomfortable at the start, but after
a few attempts you will get use to it.

2. Straighten up your spine and close your eyes.

3. Using both your thumb and forefinger touching each
other, place your hands on your knees, one on top of the
other.

4. Take three full breaths through your nose, filling up
your lower diaphragm and slowly letting it out, again
through the nose.

5. Repeat your breath, always through the nose, feeling
your breath go in and go out.

6. Feel your breath enter your body and where it goes
inside, then feel it go out of your body again.

7. If your are distracted by a thought, gently bring back
your mind to your breathing and start once more to feel the
breathing, then the exhaling.

I personally feel that the best time for meditation is the
quiet early morning hours =96 between 6 A.M. to 6.30 A.M.
However some people may prefer to meditate in the evening
before they go to bed. The choice is yours, as long as you
find it comfortable and effective.

It takes an experienced person to explain the wonderful,
positive effects of meditation. For me, I want to share
with you that meditation has improved my life tremendously
over the years. If you think of meditating, ten or fifteen
minutes a day for a start can have a powerful effect on
you. You will realize how smoothly your day flows and how
it transforms you over a period of time.

To improve your meditation atmosphere, you may light
incense or a candle. Incense creates a sensory memory that
helps draw you inside. You may also sit on a small woolen
mat that is only used for meditation and this helps to hold
energy.

If you like to light incense for your meditation, here are
some facts; some scents encourage calm, while others
promote vitality and energy. Sandalwood and frankincense
soothe us and pull us inward. Tibetan monks use them for
meditating, and also for religious ceremonies. Rosewood,
geranium, and lavender calm our fears and ease our
anxieties.

Citrus scents like orange, lemon and lime can provide
stimulation after meditating. For a quick effect, place a
few drops of orange blossom oil on a cotton ball and
inhale. Peppermint and spearmint can be stimulating too.

Take the first step to meditate today for better health and
younger you!

About the Author:

Janice H. is an accountant, nutrition expert cum author.
She shares with people around the world on HOW to live a
true life to achieve: Happiness, Health and Youthfulness.
Visit Janice’s Blog at: http://www.stayyoungsecret.com/blog
to discover how to immediately improve your life and
receive FREE e-Report specially written for you. She
authored a popular e-Book which reveals her secrets to Stay
Young Forever at: http://www.stayyoungsecret.com

————————-

Gifts of the Spirit

I was minding my own business, or at least I think I was … just
getting a few chores done. I’m not sure if I was listening to a
Christian radio broadcast or not, or what else would have even
prompted this thinking. But, this verse came to mind … love
one another, as I have loved you. John 15:12.

I already knew however God has loved us is the way He wants us to
love and that doing so is our way of thanking Him for how He has
loved us.

Though, the thought came to mind that, except for the ways God
has loved us, it is impossible for us to know how to love. I
think I already knew that. However, somehow, the word
‘impossible’ stood out and, suddenly, it dawned on me …

If it is impossible to love, other than how God has loved us (and
that does seem logical, as love is who God is) that would also
mean that (in the area of Spiritual gifts) we would have first
had to receive a Spiritual gift before we would have the ability
to share that gift with others.

And, I thought, duh! Will we never be done learning that we
don’t know as much about God as we think we do?

Then, God showed me this verse. As every man hath received the
gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards
of the manifold grace of God, I Peter 4:10. And, right there it
is, in black and white! You aren’t just given a gift. You
actually have to receive one and with it comes the ability to
give it again.

So, that tells me that, in order to have the gift of miracles,
for example, you would have first had to receive the gift of
miracles. And, if you have received a miracle, you have the gift
of miracles ~ whether you know it or not.

Many of us have likely taken Spiritual Gifts Discovery Tests in
attempt to determine our Spiritual gifts. But, this is a sure
test in which we can ‘know’ our gifts and is also a measure by
which we can determine if we are being good stewards, using those
gifts, or not.

So, you just might want to think about it. You could have
abilities you hadn’t yet discovered!

———————————————–
=A9 by Joyce C. Lock
http://iam.homewithGod.com/glimpsesofgod/
Author, poet, and columnist Joyce C. Lock writes
about our relationship with God and each other.
———————————————–

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Midlife Spirits..

By Dr. Joan F. Marques

In the past few weeks, I have communicated with several people in their
midlife, and while they were all experiencing different issues and moods,
varying from severe depression to simple dissatisfaction with themselves
or their living circumstances, they all had one common theme in their
concerns: searching. It seemed to me that all these people, including
myself, are searching. For what? I’m not sure. Maybe peace or quiet.
Maybe honor or satisfaction with their achievements. Maybe even the
formulation of what they really want to achieve!

It seems that people, when they approach midlife, start a second stage in
which they determine that the goals they were chasing when they were
younger don’t add up anymore to their current sense of gratification. So,
they find themselves searching all over again, at a time when they had
anticipated they’d be set for life. Now, this doesn’t count for all
people in midlife, but I’d say that it does for a significant percentage.

It’s not even hard to verify this fact, as the time between 40 and 60 is
when many men and women start doing the strangest things. The men cling
to tough motorcycles and flashy sport cars to prove something to the
world, but maybe even more to themselves. Many of them start dating much
younger women as well. The women in midlife hurry to hide their gray
hairs behind a permanent color, and start using all kinds of age defying
potions and diets. Not that there’s anything wrong with looking good: We
should all try to be healthy and do whatever we can to look decent. But
these attempts should first and foremost be for our own sense of dignity,
and not for what others may or may not think of us. If renewal equals
merely an age-battle for us, we’re not really addressing the problem.

Renewing ourselves starts deep inside: with the way we look at ourselves
- and the world. There’s nothing wrong with growing older, as long as we
accept it gracefully. Renewal gets enhanced by communicating with others,
reading, surfing the Net, and thinking. And it should not be dictated by
our surroundings as much as it should be our own will.

Many people in midlife are disappointed, whether that is because of a
broken long-term relationship, a derailed career, or children that did
not turn out the way we envisioned: there are tons of reasons why people
can be disheartened around this period. It may also have to do with the
realization that this age is an in-between stage: One is not as young
anymore to party all night, and still attend work bright and early
without a relentless hangover, and not young enough to date another new
star every night (even though some might try to at their own demise). On
the other side, the dismay around this life stage also has to do with the
realization that one is not old enough either to just forget about
everything. It’s not time to sit back and relax yet, especially not in
the world of today where reposing makes you obsolete overnight!

One idea that crossed my mind recently is that, in midlife, we may start
realizing that we need to hurry up if we still want to leave a legacy. We
need to have formulated what it is that we want, and then go for it. But
that’s all easier said than done, of course. Some thought that they were
on a good track, only to find at this age that it was not. And that’s the
trouble.

Many of us, in midlife, feel depressed through reflection. We look back
at our lives and think: was that all there was to it? What did I really
do so far, and what have I learned from my mistakes? It may very well be
that around this time we get a bit more in touch with our spiritual side
and start wondering if our purpose was to learn from the mistakes we
repeatedly made, and from which many of us did not learn well enough so
far.

Individuals who keep running into abusive or untruthful partners, those
who keep running into mean-spirited supervisors and unsatisfying jobs,
and those who keep falling into deteriorating habits such as smoking,
drinking, or drugs, should, perhaps, start wondering what it is that
they’re doing wrong, and where they have to apply critical changes in
their perspectives and actions.

Midlife is a fascinating stage, and for many of us it brings interesting
challenges that result in changes of directions, sometimes so radical,
that friends, colleagues, children and spouses cannot understand them.
However, as long as peace of mind, dignity, and self-respect are the
ultimate rewards of this midlife struggle, it may be worth it. The
question remains, will they?

Dr. Joan Marques (www.joanmarques.com) stands for more than 20 successful
years in advertising, public relations, radio- and television production,
show-hosting; and dynamic entrepreneurship. In Suriname, her home
country, she founded and managed several small businesses and a
non-profit organization focused on advancement of women. She is the
author of, among others, “The Awakened Leader: One Simple Leadership
Style, That Works Every Time, Everywhere”, and co-author of “Spirituality
in the Workplace: What it Means; Why it Matters; How to Make it Work for
You.” Currently, Joan facilitates courses in business and management at
Woodbury University in Burbank, California; presents a weekly radio
column on personal excellence in the Netherlands; and regularly
co-organizes and presents workshops and inspirational sessions for
business executives and scholars in the Los Angeles area, through the
Business Renaissance Institute, (www.bri-usa.com) which she co-founded in
2004.Joan has authored

Visit my website at: www.joanmarques.com

It is better to live in serene poverty than in hectic affluence.
Everything has a price. The price for nurturing your soul is turning away
from excessive stress, destruction of self-respect, and the constant
strive in lifestyle with the Joneses. But it’s worth it.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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The greatest secret to the success of a vacation is in the
planning. While it sounds daring to just throw your clothes in a
bag and “wing it”, the reality is that it takes a calculator, a
pencil, and even a map to plot an easy and stress-free vacation.

1.Make a realistic budget, and stick to it!

You don’t want to spend sleepless nights worrying how to pay
off your credit card. How much can you afford to spend? Then
list down what you will have to pay for, from obvious expenses
like room, board and transportation, to things like food,
airport fees, and souvenirs and shopping.

To get a realistic gauge, find out the cost of living of the
area and visit travelers forums to get a general idea of how
much others have spent. Also consider hidden costs and the
nature of the vacation.

For example, a hotel may look cheap, but it may have such a
limited range of accessible restaurants that you’ll end up
spending a fortune on food. Or, you may be visiting a shopper’s
haven where the bargains are too great to pass up. You need more
money to splurge here than if you had just gone to a beach,
where the sun is free.

2.Keep a realistic itinerary

Some people turn vacations in a frenzied attempt to see
everything in three days or less. The thing is, if you try to
cram too many sights, you’ll be running from one place to
another without really absorbing what you hear. You may also be
exhausting yourself to the point that you need a vacation to
recover from your vacation!

Research on the places you want to visit. How much time do you
really need for each? Some places are just beautiful backdrops
where you’ll need less than an hour to take the requisite
photos. Others, like museums, should have an entire afternoon.

3.Start planning three to four months ahead

This gives you time to look for discounts or negotiate for
better rates, and make arrangements for the work (or pets!)
you’re leaving behind. You also have time to save, in case you
realize your allotted budget isn’t enough.

4.Find out about the place’s quirks

Be informed! Know the climate, the kind of clothes you need to
wear, and prepare for the little quirks of the place. For
example, you may find out that it costs a fortune to develop
film or photos in the resort you’re visiting.

At least you’ll have an extra memory card! Other things to
look out for: accessibility of transportation, how many people
in that area can speak English, the number of ATM’s or how many
of the establishments accept credit cards. These details may not
seem important as finding a good hotel, but can quickly become
annoying and stressful inconveniences!

5.Don’t go there with too many expectations

It’s okay to be excited, but many tourists are just too easily
disappointed and frustrated. Remember, no matter how “imperfect”
a vacation is, it’s still a chance to discover a new place and
culture, and get out of the rut of the everyday. It’s useless to
keep comparing it to “how things are back home” or rant about
how it’s fallen short of the promises in the brochure. You’re
already there. Make the most of it.

About The Author: Enter to Win a FREE Trip to the Wine Country!
Go To: http://www.SonomaCountyAirport.com Plus, Get Your
Reserved Free Gift: “7 Secrets to Save Money Traveling Anytime
of the Year”

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Ever made a New Year’s Resolution only to be disappointed in
yourself and back to your old habits by February? We’ve all been
there!

We make a pact with ourselves to live a healthy lifestyle
because we know that good eating habits will enhance our lives.
Nobody doubts the ability of healthy eating habits to improve
our health but not many have the will power to make the changes
needed to create a new lifestyle unless they have help.

You can change your eating habits and have a healthier
lifestyle without having to wreck your social status or have
your friends turn and run. The biggest reason why people fail
and don’t stick to this New Year’s resolution is that they
expect to change overnight and become perfect. If you set your
goals to high and make unrealistic expectations, you are setting
yourself up to fail.

Here are some practice tips for eating healthy and forming good
eating habits:

1. Tell Your Family and Friends

Plan a family night of making smoothies and let everyone know
they are in for a fun night. Let them know why you are doing
this. Tell them that everyone needs to have more fruits and
vegetables in their diets. This will get everyone involved in a
whole lifestyle change.

Don’t try doing it alone because you feel if you tell and then
do your late night run to McDonald’s they will consider you to
be a failure. You just might be pleased and surprised. Your
family and friends will have respect for what you are working to
accomplish and will be able to support you and hold you
accountable.

Maybe get your husband to start doing the grocery shopping and
have children start dinner – Miracles do happen.

2. Do everything you can to avoid the fast food restaurants in
the beginning. It starts with small steps and the first one you
may need to do is start cooking meals at home instead of
resorting to a fast food restaurant. If we do go out to eat, we
can make healthier choices from the menu.

It is very important when you make the decision to eat with
health in mind that you avoid your triggers.

It is nearly impossible to change your eating habits when you
visit a fast food joint often. The smell, the golden arches are
all triggers that will dissolve your resolution to eat
healthier. It is not a lack of will power that drives you to
order a “Big Mac” and fries, much of the taste and aroma of
American fast foods are chemically manufactured to elicit both
emotional and physical responses.

Even just getting a smell of a McDonald’s burger causes you to
feel hunger even when you’ve just finished eating. Everything
that’s gone into their advertising is designed to make you
associate the fast food with good times and great eating.

3. Take Small Steps: Poor eating habits are just as much an
addiction as smoking or drinking. It is pounded into our
subconscious our entire lives, and we fight it everyday. It may
be the lack of time, or the social value it promises without
having to slave in the kitchen that drives us to eat this type
of food, but we have developed these types of eating habits to
make our lives easier. The reality is they do more harm than
good.

Changing your eating habits doesn’t have to mean you have to
give up everything you love, or that you need to do all or
nothing. The best we can do is to take a slow, steady approach
to revamping our eating habits. Little steps that we can follow
everyday. Sometimes small substitutions of healthy foods for
those we know are unhealthy add up to a good start toward
health.

About The Author: Start forming healthy eating habits today
with the help of our healthy menu planner at
http://www.healthymenumailer.com Sign up for a free 7-day trial
and see for yourself how delicious healthy food can be.

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